Principlev1
Supplement natural rewards with external reinforcement
Supplement natural rewards with external reinforcement during early habit formation, then remove scaffolding once the loop becomes self-sustaining.
Why This Is a Principle
Derives from Dopamine neurons encode prediction error rather than (dopamine prediction error drives learning) and Habit automaticity develops along a logarithmic curve — (automaticity develops along logarithmic curve). The principle prescribes temporary external reinforcement during the fragile early period when natural rewards may be insufficient. This is actionable guidance for habit design.